David Warner to be disciplined for Twitter rant about journalists

CRICKET Australia high-performance chief Pat Howard has condemned David Warner over the Twitter outburst.

CRICKET Australia high-performance chief Pat Howard has condemned David Warner over the Twitter outburst that has delivered a setback to his leadership aspirations.

Howard yesterday confirmed Warner will be disciplined after using the social networking site to launch a savage attack on cricket journalists Malcolm Conn and Robert Craddock.

"I don't think he should be engaging in that sort of stuff," Howard said yesterday.

Under Cricket Australia's code of conduct, Warner is likely to be charged with detrimental public comment if it is proven his Twitter account was not hacked.

The Test opener took to Twitter yesterday to direct an expletive-laden blast after taking exception to articles critical of the Indian Premier League.

Warner is in India representing the Delhi Daredevils in the Twenty20 tournament which was rocked by allegations of spot-fixing against three players, including star Indian paceman Sreesanth.

Warner, who has more than 190,000 followers on Twitter, labelled one of the scribes a "p...k" and branded the other an "old fart" during a slew of angry exchanges with Conn, who is an award-winning senior journalist.

Twitter: Conn v Warner

The combative left-hander spoke recently of his desire to succeed Michael Clarke as Australian captain, but the Twitter indiscretion is sure to be a black mark against his name.

Howard is seeking a 'please explain' from Warner and said the attack was unnecessary.

The CA high-performance boss added that Warner had to be mindful of the behavioural benchmarks set eight weeks ago when Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja, James Pattinson and Shane Watson missed a Test in India for failing to take part in a performance review.

"I have been made aware of David's comments," Howard said. "I will review it, I will have a chat to David and CA personnel over the next few days. I have rung the journalists involved to say it's not appropriate and we'll take some action against David.

"I don't live on Twitter so I don't watch it or review it. Obviously, I have heard about things. I will review the circumstances, but from what I have heard, it is definitely not a positive look.

"We need to be consistent and transparent, it is not a positive representation from David for the game.

"Twitter is part of the modern age and we encourage players and even staff at times to engage with fans in a positive way.

"But with that comes responsibility and that's obviously a very difficult and delicate balance. It's part of the learning process. I'd expect our cricketers to be better than that and our standards are higher than that."

Conn, News Limited's chief cricket writer, said yesterday: "I'm all for free speech and everyone is entitled to their say. As a journalist, you have to wear criticism, especially if you are on Twitter."

Warner is not the first member of the Australian team to experience issues on Twitter. In March, Australian coach Mickey Arthur shut down his account after being subjected to repeated abuse following the dumping of the Mohali Four.

During the recent tour of India, which Australia lost 4-0, Warner spoke candidly about his desire to one day captain his country.

"It's definitely something I'd love to do," he said. "Obviously 'Pup' (Clarke) is doing a great job now, but in time I think I'd have something to offer.

"I've had some setbacks but I'd like to think I learned from my mistakes and I still have growing up to do.

"I'm only 26. I'm still learning off the older guys in the team, but I'd like to think of myself as a leader in this environment."